Activision and Vivendi depart ESA

According to Kotaku, both Activision and Vivendi have left US trade body ESA.

ESA’s Rich Taylor said in a statement:

“While the Entertainment Software Association remains the preeminent voice for U.S. computer and video game publishers, we can confirm that Activision and Vivendi Games opted to discontinue their membership. The ESA remains dedicated to advancing our industry’s objectives such as protecting intellectual property, preserving First Amendment rights, and fostering a beneficial environment for the entire industry. Our high level of service and value to members and the larger industry remains unchanged.”

This could be very nasty for both ESA and E3. Activision-Blizzard will be the biggest publisher in gaming after it merges this year, and all know what happens when the biggest names in the business pull out of “things”. Don’t we?